team

bat for the other team

1. To play for or support, either secretly or openly, the opposing side in a given contest or debate. Refers to cricket and baseball terminology, meaning to be a batter for the other team during a game. While the senator continues to publicly denounce the proposed tax law, many feel that he is really batting for the other team.

2. To be attracted to or have sexual relations with people of the same sex; a euphemism for being homosexual. I asked Simone out on a date, but it turns out that she bats for the other team.

tiger team

business jargon A team of highly skilled professionals who are assembled to investigate, test, or try to exploit the potential weaknesses of a company's or organization's security system. The tech giant has begun recruiting coders and hackers fresh out of college into tiger teams to stress test vulnerabilities in their new operating system.

team up (with somebody/something)

to join with another person or group to achieve something The two companies teamed up to provide a new electronic news service.Feer first teamed up with Laff in high school to do cartoons for the school newspaper.

up against somebody/something

in opposition to someone or something In the music competition, Tyler was up against some of the best singers in the country.Next week, our field hockey team will go up against the best team in this area.

team up with

Form an association with, as in Our pediatrician is teaming up with specialists in such areas as orthopedics and cardiology. This expression alludes to the harnessing together of draft animals, such as oxen. [First half of 1900s]

up against

Contending or confronted with, as in I'm up against a strong opponent in this election. This idiom is also put as up against it, which means "in serious difficulty, especially in desperate financial straits." For example, When the collection agency called again, we knew we were up against it. [Late 1800s]

up against

take one for the team

To make a sacrifice on behalf of the group. The “classic” use of the phrase is when a baseball batter deliberately allows himself to be hit by a pitched ball that forces a home run to win a tied game. Another scenario: your pal wants to go out on a date with a real babe, but the babe won't go unless your pal finds a date for her homely friend. Your pal begs you. You accept. You're taking one for the team.

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